EP4086083A1 - Security document with thread-like security element and method and apparatus for its manufacturing - Google Patents

Abstract

A security document, e.g., book-like passport document (100), comprises: a number N of sheet-like substrates (105a-b), with N ≥ 1; and a thread-like security element (130, 130a-e) which is at least partially integrated into or attached to at least one of the N substrates and which has a microelectronic communication device (175) with an antenna device (180a-b) electrically connected thereto. The security element (130e) can form part of a seam as a thread. The antenna lines (180a-b) together form, on the one hand, an antenna device as a dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals in the UHF band and, on the other hand, an induction device (self-inductance) for the energy supply. A strain relief element (190) can be provided, which is able to absorb potential tensile forces acting externally on the security element in order to protect the antenna lines from such forces and thus protect them from damage or destruction. In addition, the security element can have a protective layer as wrapping (185, e.g. textile).

Description

The present invention relates to a security document with a thread-like security element and a method and a device for its production.

The present invention is in the field of security technology for documents and relates to a security document, in particular an identity card or document of value, with a thread-like security element and a method and a device for its production.

In particular, card-shaped security documents, such as identity cards or driver's license cards, as well as book-like, bound multi-page security documents, in particular official passports or driver's licenses, are known from the prior art. Such documents often have a data sheet made of a multi-layer plastic laminate (also referred to as "data page" or "holder page") as a carrier for the personal information and usually also for a photo of the ID card holder together with other document sheets (often also called "visa pages"). , which usually consist of paper or a paper-containing tissue, bound to form a book-like document ("book") in an envelope or binding with a spine. The binding is usually designed in such a way that a mostly rectangular tab area ("hinge area") of the data sheet extending from one edge of the data sheet is used to fasten it in the cover, while the rest of the data sheet is like a page in a book compared to the can be pivoted in the flap area fixed in the cover.

The envelope typically has a front and back cover substrate, each constructed as a multi-layer structure with a robust outer layer (also known as a "cover") to protect the document from unwanted external influences, and a Buchs the first or last book page facing inner layer (also referred to as "flyleaf" page) have. In addition, one or more further layers can be arranged between the cover and the inner layer. An example of such a bound security document is the German passport as it is currently (2021) issued by the German authorities.

The security features that are suitable for protecting security and valuable documents against forgery include, in particular, microelectronic ones Security features in which certain information, such as personal information about an owner of the document, is encoded within a microelectronic component (microchip) present in the security document in a way that is not recognizable as such to the naked human eye or at least illegible. Such security features include, in particular, RFID or NFC chips, which store or generate security-relevant information and can make it available via a contactless communication interface for a suitable reading device or radio receiver device external to the document.

Out of EP 2 338 175 B1 and EP 3 319 168 A1 a radio device is known in each case, which has a radio circuit with two thread-like electrical conductors connected thereto and running parallel to one another, which serve as an antenna of the radio device. The radio devices mentioned each have a thread-like structure overall.

The present invention is based on the object of providing or producing an improved, wirelessly readable, robust security document.

The solution to this problem is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a security document, in particular an identification document or a component (e.g. envelope or page, e.g. data page or visa page) or an incompletely personalized blank for such a security document (e.g. one that is yet to be personalized, not yet fully or partially unprinted ID book). The security document comprises: (i) a number N of sheet-like substrates, with N ≥ 1; and (ii) a thread-like security element which is at least partially integrated into or attached to at least one of the N substrates and which has a first microelectronic communication device, in particular an active or passive transponder, with an antenna device electrically connected to it for wireless communication of security-relevant first information, in particular signals carrying data or other information, to an external communication counterpart with regard to the security document.

A "sheet-like substrate" within the meaning of the invention is to be understood in particular as a page for a single-sheet or multi-sheet security document, the substrate can be made using a paper or cardboard material or a plastic (eg polycarbonate). In particular, the covers or pages of an identification document, such as a card or book-shaped identity card, passport, driver's license or other identification document, are each sheet-like substrates within the meaning of the invention. The form of the pages can, in particular, be rectangular, as is customary with identity documents, without this being to be understood as a limitation.

A "thread-like" security element is to be understood, in particular, as a security element which, in terms of its elongated, predominantly one-dimensional shape and preferably also its flexibility, which enables sewing, resembles or resembles a thread in the sense of textile technology. In the present case, the thread-like security element has the first microelectronic communication device with the antenna device connected to it. This means that the communication device and the antenna device are integrated into the thread or the thread is at least partially formed by them. It is possible that the thickness of the thread is not constant, but has a somewhat higher diameter than the rest of the thread, particularly in the area of the first microelectronic communication device, but preferably no more than four times, preferably twice. This can in particular be provided in such a way that the first microelectronic communication device is integrated into the security element in a manner similar to a drop on a thread. For this purpose it can, for example, be cast (e.g. using a glob-top technique, e.g. based on resin).

“Security-relevant information” is to be understood in particular as information, for example signals or data, which contribute to increasing the security of the security document, for example to the formation of a security feature of the security document. Such information can in particular be cryptographic information, such as cryptographic codes or keys, or personalization data for personalizing the security document in relation to a specific object associated with it, in particular a person (e.g. ID card holder). Such personalization data can relate, for example, to the person's name, birthday or age, nationality, membership number, or biometric properties.

As used herein, the terms "comprises,""includes,""includes,""has,""has,""having," or any other variant thereof, as appropriate, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or a Apparatus comprising or having a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such method or apparatus.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined to mean "one or more". The terms "another" and "another" and any other variant thereof shall be construed to mean "at least one other".

The term "plurality" as used herein means "two or more".

The term "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and respective modifications thereof) is to be understood within the meaning of the invention that the corresponding device is already in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function or it is at least adjustable - i.e. configurable - so that it can carry out the function after appropriate setting. The configuration can take place, for example, via a corresponding setting of parameters of a process flow or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can take place by activating one of these configurations or operating modes.

In the security document according to the first aspect, a thread-like microelectronic security element is provided, which therefore already differs from conventional microelectronic security elements for documents, in particular from RFID tags with a coil or antenna extending predominantly two-dimensionally in the area, on the basis of its form factor. This already enables particularly space-saving solutions in which the security element only takes up a very small amount of space in the security document.

On the other hand, the thread-like shape and the associated flexibility of the security element allow it to be accommodated in those places on the security document that can typically be subjected to, particularly strong, bending stress during use, for example in the spine area of a book-like security document or in a flexible substrate. such as a paper page of the security document. The thread-like shape thus also allows the security element to be accommodated in "atypical" or "unexpected" locations, which further increases the security against forgery.

The thread-like form of the security element even makes it possible to provide the security element as a thread in a seam or as part of a textile fabric, which has advantages, in particular with regard to the robustness of the anchoring or attachment of the security element in the security document, making it more difficult to compromise the Security of the security document by removing the security element from the security document, and hiding the security element in the security document as a hidden (engl. "Covert") security feature can have.

In addition, there can be advantages in production, since the thread-like security element can be supplied from a roll. The roll can in particular be a so-called "endless roll" onto which a thread is wound, which has a plurality, in particular a large number, of the security elements mentioned sequentially along its course, so that for the application of a single security element this only needs to be has to be severed from the thread on the roll in order to separate and provide it for individual integration into or attachment to one or more substrates of the security document to be produced.

Preferred embodiments of the security document are described below, each of which can be combined with one another and the further aspects of the invention as desired, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible.

In some embodiments, the security document is configured as a book-like document with N≥2. The security document can in particular be an identity document, such as a passport. In particular, it can be an envelope with a plurality of internal pages, for example data page(s) and visa page(s) included. The use of the thread-like security element is particularly advantageous in connection with such a book-like security document because here, on the one hand, with regard to hiding the security element in the sense of a “covert security feature” due to the more complex structure of such a book-like document, there are many possible variations for the arrangement or integration of the security element in the document, and on the other hand, security elements must often be highly robust against bending stresses.

In some of these embodiments, a first of the N substrates is configured as a data page or as a cover (or here equivalently "cover"), in particular a protective cover, for the book-like document and the security element is integrated at least in sections into this first substrate. The data pages and covers of such security documents are typically more robust than other substrates of the document, for example paper pages, particularly with regard to protection against chemical or physical, in particular mechanical or moisture-related, external influences, so that a particularly robust integration of the security element is made possible here.

In some embodiments, the first substrate has a layered structure in which the security element is integrated at least in sections. In particular, data pages and envelopes are usually multi-layered, e.g. as a laminate, so that there are many different options for integrating the security element, in particular hidden. The layered structure often also requires such substrates (cover pages) to be thicker, which in turn enables or at least facilitates, in particular hidden, integration, particularly when the thread thickness of the security element is not constant. The security element can be integrated into the layer structure by means of gluing or laminating, in particular in such a way that the security element runs along a “long” side of the first substrate, such as when the latter essentially has a rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the first substrate has a hinge area for connecting the first substrate to at least one of the N-1 other substrates to form the book-like document. The security element is integrated at least in sections into the hinge area.

In some further embodiments, the book-like document is formed with a book spine instead or cumulatively, and the security element is at least partially integrated into the book spine or fixed to it. In particular, the spine can be a fold area of a cover (which can, for example, have a groove with a reduced thickness compared to the cover pages). Furthermore, the security document can be designed in such a way that its front and/or rear cover pages connected by the fold area or book spine are each thicker than the fold area or book spine in between.

Both the aforementioned types of construction, individually and in combination, are developed in particular by the thread-like nature of the security element, in particular by the resulting flexibility, so that such a type of integration avoids the risk of damage to the security element when using the security document with corresponding bending stresses is allowed in the hinge area or book spine. The security element can also be hidden particularly well in this way, since the hinge area and the spine of the book can generally hardly be seen from the outside without being destroyed, or can only be seen with increased effort, and as a rule they are also opaque.

In some of these embodiments, the spine of the book has a textile reinforcement band for its reinforcement, into which the security element is integrated at least in sections. Here the security element can be integrated in particular as a thread itself as part of a textile fabric of the reinforcement band. The aforementioned advantages with regard to the robustness of the integration and the good ability to hide the security element in the document can also be used here. The inclusion as a thread in the textile reinforcement band can offer even greater robustness, in particular with regard to protection against (inconspicuous, in particular non-destructive) removal of the security element.

In some embodiments, the security element is combined with a holographic thread or strip to form a combined thread or strip-shaped security element by means of integration in or fixed connection with the holographic thread or strip. The security, in particular protection against forgery, of the security document can thus be further increased. More efficient production is also conceivable if the two security features (security element and holographic thread or strip) are not separate as a combined security element, but in one or together Integration process or step can be included in the security document instead of having to be included separately.

In some of these embodiments, the security document has a number M, with 2≦M≦N, of similar sheet-like substrates and the combined security element is integrated into or attached to only one of these M substrates. The similarity of the substrates can relate in particular to their structure and/or their function within the framework of the security document. For example, they may be substrates for the document cover, various laminated pages (e.g., plastic laminate data pages), or paper pages (e.g., visa pages) of the document. The aforementioned selective arrangement of the security element can in turn be used for better hiding than the security element as a security feature.

In some embodiments, the security element as a thread forms part of a seam in or on the security document. The security element can thus fulfill several tasks here, in particular in the sense of "dual use", namely in particular on the one hand its security function and on the other hand the production of a seam, for example for fastening one or more substrates in the document. The integration as part of a seam can also in turn be used as a hidden security feature for better hiding of the security element.

In some of these embodiments, the seam is designed at least in sections as a lockstitch seam, with the security element forming an underthread of the double-stitch seam. This type of seam is particularly easy to implement, since the requirements for processability and sewability, in particular with regard to flexibility and uniformity of the thread diameter, are lower here than with most other known types of seam. In particular, a second thread made of nylon or textile material can be used here as the upper thread.

In some embodiments, the antenna device comprises two wire-shaped antenna lines electrically insulated from one another, each of which is electrically connected to the first communication device at a respective contact point located between its ends, and wherein the antenna lines together form a dipole antenna with electrically open ends. In particular, the two arms of the antenna line extending from the respective contact point of an antenna line can be chosen to be of different lengths, which can be done in particular in such a way that impedance matching of the dipole antenna is implemented.

The diameter of the antenna lines can be in the range of 40-400 µm in particular, with the range of 50-200 µm and specifically the range of 60-150 µm having turned out to be particularly suitable for finding a good compromise between the smallest possible design with high flexibility on the one hand and good mechanical robustness and/or electrical performance (in particular ampacity) on the other hand.

In some embodiments, the first communication device has a passive transponder for wireless communication of the security-related information. In addition, the antenna device is configured as an induction device in order to generate an induction voltage in response to a magnetic or electromagnetic alternating field acting on it and thus to supply the transponder with electrical energy. An energy source, such as an electrochemical energy store, can thus be dispensed with in the security document or the security element itself. The configuration as an induction device can be achieved in particular in that the two antenna lines, in analogy to the outer and inner conductors of a coaxial cable, interact in order to define an inductance of the antenna device. It is also possible for the two antenna lines to be electrically connected, in particular temporarily (e.g. clocked), by the first communication device in order to form an inductance together, so that a variable magnetic flux (magnetic flux density B) is inductively transmitted through an area between the two antenna lines can act to generate the induction voltage. In addition or in addition, it is possible for the antenna lines in or on the security element to run spirally, in particular helically (and together in particular in a double helix), so that the cross-sectional area of this spiral arrangement can act as a conductor loop(s) and thus as an inductor.

In some embodiments, the first communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate information, in particular the security-relevant first information, in the UHF band, ie in the frequency range between 300 MHz and 3 GHz, preferably between 800 MHz and 980 MHz. For this purpose, the first communication device can be set up, in particular, to communicate wirelessly using RFID technology. In particular, short-range wireless communication beyond the near field (in particular beyond NFC technology) in the range from a few meters to a few tens of meters can thus be easily implemented, which can be used in particular to detect the security document over such a distance and, if necessary, using the one from the first To identify communication device of the security document emitted first information.

In some embodiments, the first communication device and the antenna device are provided with a casing that encloses them both at least in sections. The casing can be used in particular to protect against external mechanical or other disruptive influences and/or to form the thread-like security element as a bundle formed from its components. The casing can in particular be tubular or by wrapping the internal components of the security element, in particular the first communication device and the antenna device. In this case, the wrapping can in particular have textile or plastic fibers, in particular consist of them, as a result of which electrical insulation of the wrapped interior of the security element can also be achieved at the same time. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna lines can also be insulated individually, in particular coated with a dielectric material or surrounded in some other way.

In some embodiments, the security element can additionally have a strain relief element, in particular essentially in the form of a thread or wire, which, together with the antennas, extends at least in sections along the course of the security element and is configured to absorb any tensile forces acting on the security element, such as those that occur when using the Security document or may possibly occur during its production, record or intercept in order to protect other components of the security element, in particular the antenna device and its connections and the first communication device from damage by such tensile forces.

1. (a) Die zweiten Informationen sind in dem zweiten Datenspeicher verschlüsselt abgelegt und/oder der Lesezugriff auf den zweiten Datenspeicher ist durch die zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung nur auf Basis einer Authentifizierung mittels eines Schlüsselcodes möglich. Die erste Kommunikationseinrichtung ist zudem konfiguriert, den Schlüsselcode zu generieren oder aus einem mit der ersten Kommunikationseinrichtung assoziierten ersten Datenspeicher auszulesen und für die Entschlüsselung der zweiten Informationen bzw. für die Authentifizierung zum autorisierten Lesezugriff auf den zweiten Datenspeicher bereitzustellen;
2. (b) Die ersten Informationen und die zweiten Informationen codieren zusammen eine für eine erfolgreiche Identifikation oder Authentifizierung eines mit den ersten Informationen assoziierten Objekts, insbesondere einer Person, erforderliche Sicherheitsinformation auf solche Weise, dass die Sicherheitsinformation erst durch Kombinieren der ersten Informationen mit den zweiten Informationen verfügbar wird.

In some embodiments, the security document also has a second microelectronic communication device for the contactless transmission of second information read from a second data memory associated with or contained in the second microelectronic communication device. The security document has at least one of the following configurations (a) and (b):

1. (a) The second information is stored in encrypted form in the second data memory and/or read access to the second data memory is only possible through the second communication device on the basis of authentication using a Key codes possible. The first communication device is also configured to generate the key code or to read it from a first data memory associated with the first communication device and to provide it for decrypting the second information or for authentication for authorized read access to the second data memory;
2. (b) The first information and the second information together encode security information required for successful identification or authentication of an object associated with the first information, in particular a person, in such a way that the security information is only created by combining the first information with the second information becomes available.

In both cases, the security of the security document can be increased, in particular with regard to its protection against forgery, since a coordinated combination of the two communication devices is required for successful identification or authentication of an object associated with the first information or the security information.

In particular, in some of these embodiments, the second information and/or the security information can at least partially correspond to information that is otherwise available on the security document, so that based on a comparison of this otherwise available information on the one hand with the second information or the security information on the other hand, a multi-factor identification or authentication of the security document or an object associated therewith.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for the mechanical production of a security document according to the first aspect, in particular an identification document or a component or a blank for it. The method comprises: (i) producing or receiving (eg via a feeder or conveyor) a security document comprising a number N of sheet-like substrates, where N ≥ 1; and (ii) integrating or attaching a thread-like security element in or on at least one of the N substrates, the security element having a first microelectronic communication device with an antenna device connected to it for wireless communication of first security-relevant information to an external communication counterpart with regard to the security document. Step (ii) can in particular in As part of step (i), in particular at the same time, or this are executed below.

In some embodiments of the method, the security element is integrated or attached at least partially in at least one of the following ways: (i) forming a material bond between the security element and the at least one substrate; (ii) machine formation of a seam in the at least one substrate, wherein the security element is sewn as a thread of the seam, in particular individually or together with one or more other threads.

As already explained above, this allows in particular a very robust anchoring of the security element in the security document and enables the security element to be used as a hidden security feature.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a device for producing a security document according to the first aspect, the device being configured, in particular having means, for carrying out the method according to the second aspect.

The features and advantages explained in relation to the first aspect of the invention can also be used correspondingly for the further aspects of the invention.

Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention result from the following detailed description in connection with the figures.

• Fig. 1 schematisch in einer kombinierten Gesamt- und Detailansicht ein buchartiges Sicherheitsdokument gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei zugleich verschiedene alternativ oder kumulativ anwendbare Möglichkeiten für die Platzierung des Sicherheitselements in dem Sicherheitsdokument illustriert sind;
• Fig. 2 schematisch in einer Aufsicht das buchartige Sicherheitsdokument aus Fig. 1 in der speziellen Ausführung, bei der das Sicherheitselement im oder am Buchrücken des Sicherheitsdokuments angeordnet ist;
• Fig. 3 schematisch in einer Explosionszeichnung einen beispielhaften Schichtaufbau für einen aus mehreren Substraten gebildeten Umschlag des Sicherheitsdokuments aus Fig. 1 und 2 im Querschnitt;
• Fig. 4A und 4B schematisch zwei verschiedene beispielhafte Ausführungsformen eines fadenartigen mikroelektronischen Sicherheitselements, das in einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsdokument als dessen Sicherheitselement enthalten sein kann;
• Fig. 5 ein Flussdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens;
• Fig. 6 ein Diagramm zur Erläuterung einer durch das Sicherheitsdokument aus Fig. 1 ermöglichten Zwei-Faktor-Identifizierung von Personen (Ausweisinhabern); und
• Fig. 7 ein Diagramm zur Illustration verschiedener durch das Sicherheitsdokument aus Fig. 1 ermöglichten Anwendungsmöglichkeiten zur Identifizierung von Personen, insbesondere im Verkehrswesen.

It shows:

• 1 schematically, in a combined overall and detailed view, a book-like security document according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein at the same time various alternatively or cumulatively applicable options for placing the security element in the security document are illustrated;
• 2 schematically shows the book-like security document in a plan view 1 in the special embodiment in which the security element is arranged in or on the spine of the security document;
• 3 schematically, in an exploded view, an exemplary layer structure for an envelope of the security document formed from a plurality of substrates 1 and 2 in cross section;
• Figures 4A and 4B schematically shows two different exemplary embodiments of a thread-like microelectronic security element that can be contained in a security document according to the invention as its security element;
• figure 5 a flow chart to illustrate a preferred embodiment of a production method according to the invention;
• 6 a diagram to explain a through the security document 1 enabled two-factor identification of people (ID card holders); and
• 7 a diagram to illustrate various through the security document 1 possible applications for the identification of persons, especially in the transport sector.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

In 1 An exemplary embodiment 100 of a book-like security document is illustrated in a plan view along a visual axis running along the spine of the book. The security document 100 can in particular be a passport document or other multi-page identification document. It contains an envelope 105, which has two lateral substrates 105a and 105b, consisting for example of a multilayer laminate structure, which are connected to one another by a book spine 115 and together with this form a (protective) envelope 105 of the security document 100. A data page 120, embodied, for example, as a plastic laminate, and a plurality of paper pages 125 (e.g. visa pages) are provided as additional lateral substrates within this envelope 105, resulting in the overall book-like security document 100, as in 1 illustrated.

The security document 100 can have one or more security features, which can be formed in particular by one or more security elements attached to the security document 100 or integrated therein. A Such a security element is a microelectronic security element 130, which can be attached to or integrated into other components of the security document 100, for which purpose there are a number of different placement options, some of which are exemplified in FIG 1 are identified by reference numerals 130a to 130e.

The security element 130 is in the form of a thread and is therefore flexible on the one hand and predominantly one-dimensional on the other. It has a first microelectronic communication device 175 with an antenna device 180a, 180b electrically connected to it for wireless communication of security-relevant first information to an external communication partner 200 with respect to the security document 100 (cf. 7 ). An exemplary embodiment of such a thread-like security element 130 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG Figures 4A and 4B be explained.

The placement options mentioned include, in particular, the additional also in 2 illustrated possibility, the security element 130, such as 1 identified by the reference number 130a, to be attached to the book spine 115 or to be integrated therein, in particular in such a way that the security element runs at least approximately parallel to the pivot axis of the security document 100. This is favorable insofar as the spine 115 on the one hand offers protection against external influences on the security element 130 and on the other hand defines a hollow space in which the security element can be accommodated easily and in particular also invisibly from the outside and thus hidden.

A further possibility consists in the security element 130, as identified by the reference number 130b, being attached to one of the cover sides 105a of the envelope 105 or being integrated therein. In particular, this can be done in such a way that the security element 130 is woven as a thread into a textile fabric that may be present in the cover page 105a or is integrated into a layered structure of the cover page 105a, as shown below by way of example with reference to FIG 3 will be explained.

Yet another possibility, as identified by reference number 130c, is to integrate the security element 130 into the data page 120, in particular in a layer structure that may be present, for example a laminate, of the same. In one variant, this can be done, for example, by combining the security element 130 with a holographic strip 135 to form a combined security element that is attached to or on the data side 120 (or optionally also applied to another substrate of the security document 100).

Another possibility, as indicated by reference number 130d, is to integrate the thread-like security element 130 on or in one of the paper sides 125, with a different possibility for orienting the thread (transverse to the hinge axis of the security document) being illustrated here as an example than in the the aforementioned other possibilities, in which the thread-like security element 105 is shown running essentially parallel to the hinge axis of the security document 100.

Yet another exemplary possibility, as identified by reference number 130e, is to use security element 130 as a thread in a seam, which here is a seam for connecting the various substrates of security document 100 in the region of book spine 115, for example. In the bottom of the 1 two parallel seams are shown, at least one of which contains the security element 130 as a thread. The seams here run through so-called hinge areas of the substrates 120 and 125 connected to one another by the seams. The hinge area of the front cover page 105a is identified by the reference symbol "110" here by way of example. In particular, the hinge areas can have a smaller thickness than the foldable areas of the respective substrates, which can be pivoted relative to the respective hinge area when leafing through the book-like security document 100 .

In addition to the security element 130, the security document 100 can have a second communication device 140 as a further security feature, in particular a near-field communication device (such as an NFC communication device with a corresponding microelectronic NFC chip and an NFC antenna), in itself or in one associated with it Data memory Data, in particular security-relevant data (such as personalization data and/or country-specific data), is stored and can be read out when a corresponding communication connection is set up with the communication device 140. Options for using this second communication device 140 are discussed below with reference to FIG 6 to be addressed further. In one embodiment, the operating frequencies of the first microelectronic communication device and the second microelectronic communication device (eg 13.56 MHz) can differ from one another.

3 shows an exemplary layer structure for an envelope 105, formed from a plurality of substrates, of the security document from FIGS figures 1 and 2 in cross section. In this case, the layer structure has a sandwich design, in which further intermediate substrates 155 , 160, 165, which form a core of the sandwich layer structure.

A first intermediate substrate 155 is embodied here as a multi-layer inlay, into which in particular the security element 130 or 130b can be integrated. A second intermediate substrate 160 can, in particular, be designed with one or more layers and have the near-field communication device 140 integrated therein, in particular an NFC chip with associated antenna. In the area of the spine 115, a third intermediate substrate 165 can also be provided in the form of a reinforcement band, in particular a textile one, which can optionally also contain the security element 130 or 130a. In particular, the security element 130 or 130a can be woven or sewn into the textile fabric of the reinforcement band 165 as a thread. The various substrates 145-165 of the layer structure can be connected to one another by means of lamination or by means of different adhesive layers 170 to form the envelope 105 in a materially bonded manner.

In other embodiments, the security element 130 and the second communication device 140 can also be located in different substrates (e.g. data page on the one hand and envelope on the other). 140 is often also laminated into the data side. In particular, it is possible for the near-field communication device 140 to be integrated, in particular laminated, into the data side.

Exemplary embodiments of the security element 130 are shown in FIGS Figures 4A and 4B illustrated. At a first, in Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, the security element 130 has a first microelectronic communication device in the form of a UHF transponder chip 175 and two antenna lines 180a and 180b electrically connected thereto. The two antenna lines 180a and 180b are each connected to the transponder chip 175 in such a way that the connection point is between the two ends of the respective antenna line 180a and 180b. Overall, the antenna lines 180a and 180b together form, on the one hand, an antenna device as a dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving Radio signals in the UHF band and, on the other hand, an induction device (self-inductance) for the transponder chip 175 designed as a passive transponder, so that externally coupled magnetic or electromagnetic alternating fields can inductively supply and activate the passive transponder chip 175 with energy.

The sections of the two antenna lines 180a and 180b that are shorter when viewed from the connection point on the transponder chip 175 can be used in particular for impedance matching of the corresponding antenna line by selecting the length of these sections during the production of the security element 130 in order to set a desired impedance. In addition, they can contribute to the formation of the aforementioned inductance.

Furthermore, a strain relief element 190, in particular a thread-like one, can optionally be provided in the security element 130, which is able to at least largely absorb potential tensile forces acting externally on the security element 105, in order to protect the antenna lines 180a and 180b from such forces and thus protect them to prevent damage or destruction.

In addition, the security element 130 can have a protective layer, which in the present example is formed by a wrapping 185 that also includes the transponder chip 175, the antenna lines 180a and 180b and, if necessary, the strain relief element 190. The wrapping 185 can in particular be provided by a textile strip or thread. The security element 130 as a whole can thus also be processed externally resembling a pure textile thread and similar to such.

At a second, in Figure 4B Illustrated embodiment of the security element 130, the two antenna lines 180b and 180b run, at least essentially, each along the entire course of the security element 130 along its thread-like extension. Correspondingly, the wrapping 185) also surrounds the two antenna lines 180a and 180b along their entire course. In addition, a strain relief element 190 can optionally be provided, although this is specifically the case in Figure 4B variant shown is not the case. Otherwise the embodiment corresponds to FIG Figure 4B those from Figure 4A .

In figure 5 FIG. 5 illustrates, in flow chart form, an exemplary embodiment 500 of a method for producing a security document, wherein by way of example, reference is made to the security document 100 from the preceding figures. In a step 505 of the method, a plurality of lateral substrates from which the security document 100 is to be produced are provided. Specifically, the substrates may include a cover 105 with spine 115 and backing tape 165, data page 120, and paper pages 125, as discussed in detail above.

For the further processing of the substrates for the production of the security document 100 are now alternatively or (especially in the case of several security elements 130) cumulatively different possibilities available, which in particular to the different, in the Figures 1 to 3 shown options 130a to 130e for attachment or integration of the security element 130 correspond to or in the security document 100 to be produced. In FIG. 500, three of these possibilities are illustrated by way of example.

According to a first possibility, in a step 510 the security element 130 or 130a is glued onto the book spine 115 or sewn into it, in particular in such a way that the security element 130/130a runs along or parallel to the future pivot axis of the pages of the security document 100.

According to a second possibility, in a step 515, the security element 130 or 130a is integrated into the reinforcement band 165 as a thread, in particular by means of weaving or sewing. Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be glued onto the reinforcement strip 165, in particular only in sections.

According to a third possibility, in a step 520 the security element 130 or 130c is combined with a holographic strip to form a combined security element, in particular by the security element 130/130c being glued onto the holographic strip 135, for example. The resulting combined security element 130c/135 is then applied in a further step 525 to one of the substrates, for example to one of the paper pages 125 (e.g. visa page), which in turn can take place in particular by means of a material connection.

Irrespective of which of these three possibilities was selected, a step 530 follows, in which the reinforcement strip 165 is glued to the other components of the cover 105, in particular to the cover sides 105a, b. In particular, this Gluing to a paper lining (fly leaf) of one or both cover pages 105a, b, wherein the paper lining itself can in turn be glued.

Finally, the various side-shaped substrates, i.e. the data page 120 and the paper pages 125 in the case of the security document 100, are connected to the envelope 105 including its reinforcing strip 165 to form a book-like security document 100, which accordingly contains one or more security elements 130.

6 shows a diagram to explain a through the security document 1 enabled two-factor identification of people (ID card holders). First identification information is present on the security document 100 as a first factor (factor 1), which is either readable by a human inspector and/or machine-readable by a suitable reading device. This first identification information can in particular be printed or incorporated on or into one of the substrates 120 or 125, whether in legible writing, for example in the form of a biometric feature, such as a facial image, or using a barcode or another machine-readable code.

A second factor (factor 2) for the identification only results from the interaction of the two communication devices integrated in the security document 100, namely on the one hand the security element 130, which can communicate by radio in the UHF band, and on the other hand the near-field communication device 140, which here is in particular a communication device working according to the known standardized NFC technology. A data memory can be provided in the near-field communication device 140, in which second information, in particular identification information, which corresponds to that of the factor 1, is stored in cryptographically encrypted form. The cryptographic key required to decrypt this second piece of information can be made available by the security element 130 by being either generated there or read out from a data memory contained therein.

In order to generate the second factor, the key is made available by the security element 130 and the encrypted second information is thus encrypted. The two-factor identification can then take place on the basis of both factor 1 and factor 2 by subjecting the corresponding first identification information and second (identification) information to a comparison. Vote within the framework of Comparison according to a predetermined test criterion match, then the identification is successful, otherwise it fails, which can be an indication of a forgery of the security document 100.

Alternatively or cumulatively, it is also possible to divide the second (identification) information into several pieces of information and to divide these separately between the two communication devices 140 and 175 or their associated data memory that the second (identification) information required for the comparison in Entirely only become available when the pieces of information have been received in total by the two communication devices.

7 finally shows a diagram to illustrate different aspects of the security document 1 possible applications for the identification of persons, especially in the transport sector.

The security document 100 can advantageously be used as an identification document, in particular a passport, in particular in the case of passport checks at border locations, such as train stations, airports or motorways. In order to shorten the waiting time at passport control or to control the entry and exit of a passport holder, the first or second identification information can be queried by the UHF transponder 175 from a distance of several meters by radio using a UHF transceiver 200 in order to to be compared with third identification information that was generated, for example, by means of face recognition software on the basis of an image or video of the person to be identified captured by a camera 195. Alternatively or cumulatively, the third (identification) information can also be obtained from a portable device belonging to a person (smartphone, tablet, wearable) that the person may carry with them, e.g. in the form of a phone number or an IMEI serial number (International Mobile E quipment I dentity), in particular via a wireless Kpmmiunikationsverbindung determined. When using the security document 100, a particularly fast and therefore efficient and at the same time secure passport control can be made possible. x

The first, second and third pieces of identification information thus each represent information relevant to personal identification and thus security-related information.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that a large number of variations thereon exist. It is while also noting that the example embodiments described are intended to be non-limiting examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide those skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one example embodiment, while understanding that various changes in the operation and arrangement of elements described in an example embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims the specified object and its legal equivalents are deviated from.

REFERENCE LIST

100

security document

105

(protective) envelope

105a

front cover page

105b

back cover page

110

Hinge area of the front cover page

115

spine

120

data page

125

Paper page(s), in particular visa page(s)

130

security element

130a

Security element attached to or integrated into the spine of a book

130b

Security element attached to or integrated into the cover

130c

Security element attached to or integrated into data page

130d

Security element attached to or incorporated into the paper side

130e

Security element, sewn as a thread in a seam

135

holographic stripe

140

Near-field communication device, in particular with an NFC chip

145

first cover substrate, in particular sewn paper container

150

second cover substrate, in particular single- or multi-layer cardboard

155

first intermediate substrate as a multi-layer inlay, optionally with an integrated security element 130 or 130b

160

second intermediate substrate with one or more layers, with integrated near-field communication device 140

165

third intermediate substrate, reinforcing band, optionally with an integrated security element 130 or 130a

170

adhesive

175

First microelectronic communication device, especially UHF transponder chip

180a

first antenna line

180b

second antenna line

185

wrapping

190

strain relief element

195

Camera coupled to image processing device for face recognition

200

UHF transceiver for radio communication with communication device 175

500

Manufacturing process for security document

505-535

Process steps of the process 500

Claims (20)

Security document (100), in particular identification document or component or blank therefor, having: a number N of sheet-like substrates (105, 115, 120, 125), with N ≥ 1; and a thread-like security element (130) which is integrated at least in sections in at least one of the N substrates (105, 115, 120, 125) or attached thereto and which has a first microelectronic communication device (175) with an antenna device (180a, 180b) electrically connected to it for wireless communication of security-relevant first information to a communication partner (200) that is external with respect to the security document (100). The security document (100) of claim 1, wherein the security document (100) is configured as a book-like document with N ≥ 2. The security document (100) according to claim 2, wherein a first of the N substrates (105, 120) is configured as a data page (120) or as an envelope (105) for the book-like document (100) and the security element (130) is at least partially embedded in this first substrate is integrated. The security document (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first substrate has a layered structure into which the security element (130) is integrated at least in sections. A security document (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: the first substrate has a hinge area (110) for joining the first substrate to at least one of the N-1 other substrates (105a, 105b, 120, 125) to form the book-like document (100); and the security element (130) is integrated at least in sections into the hinge area (110). Security document (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the book-like document (100) is formed with a book spine (115) and the security element (130) is at least partially integrated into the book spine (115) or fixed to it. The security document (100) according to claim 6, wherein the spine (115) has a textile reinforcement band for its reinforcement, in which the security element (130) is integrated at least in sections. Security document (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (130) is combined with a holographic thread or strip to form a combined thread or strip-shaped security element (130) by means of integration in or fixed connection with the holographic thread or strip. A security document (100) according to claim 8 and any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: the security document (100) has a number M, with 2≦M≦N, of sheet-like substrates (105a, 105b, 120, 125) of the same type; and the combined security element (130) is integrated into or attached to only one of these M substrates (105a, 105b, 120, 125). A security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (130, 130e) as a thread forms part of a seam in or on the security document (100). The security document (100) according to claim 10, wherein the seam is designed at least in sections as a lockstitch seam, the security element (130) forming an underthread of the double-stitch seam. The security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna device has two wire-shaped antenna lines (180a, 180b) electrically insulated from one another, each of which is electrically connected to the first communication device (175) at a respective contact point located between its ends, and wherein the antenna lines (180a, 180b) as a whole form a dipole antenna with electrically open ends. A security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first communication device (175) has a passive transponder for wireless communication of the security-relevant information; and the antenna device is also configured as an induction device in order to generate an induction voltage in response to a magnetic or electromagnetic alternating field acting on it and thus to supply the transponder with electrical energy. A security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication means (175) is configured to wirelessly communicate information in the UHF band. The security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication device (175) and the antenna device are provided with a casing that encloses them both at least in sections. A security document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second microelectronic communication device (140) for contactless transmission of second information read from a second data memory associated with or contained in the second microelectronic communication device (140);
wherein the security document (100) has at least one of the following configurations: (a) the second information is stored in encrypted form in the second data memory and/or read access to the second data memory is only possible by the second communication device (140) on the basis of authentication using a key code; and
the first communication device (175) is configured to generate the key code or to read it from a first data memory associated with the first communication device (175) and to provide it for decrypting the second information or for authentication for authorized read access to the second data memory; (b) the first information and the second information together encode security information required for successful identification or authentication of an object associated with the first information in such a way that the security information only becomes available by combining the first information with the second information. The security document (100) according to claim 16, wherein the second information and/or the security information corresponds at least in part to information available elsewhere on the security document (100), so that on the basis of a comparison of this information available elsewhere with the second information or the security information on the other hand, a multi-factor identification or authentication of the security document (100) or an object associated therewith is made possible. Method (500) for the mechanical production of a security document (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular an identification document or a component or a blank therefor, the method (500) having: producing (505, 530, 535) or receiving a security document (100) comprising a number N of sheet-like substrates (105, 120, 125), where N ≥ 1; and Integrating or attaching (510; 515; 520, 525) a thread-like security element (130) in or on at least one of the N substrates (105, 120, 125), the security element (130) having a first microelectronic communication device (175). an antenna device (180a, 180b) connected thereto for the wireless communication of first security-relevant information to an external communication partner (200) with respect to the security document (100). The method (500) of claim 18, wherein the integrating or attaching (510; 515; 520, 525) of the security element (130) occurs at least partially in at least one of the following ways:
Forming a material bond between the security element (130; 130a; 130b; 130c, 130d) and the at least one substrate (105, 115, 120, 125); machining a seam in the at least one substrate, wherein the security element (130, 130e) is sewn as a thread of the seam. Apparatus for producing a security document (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the apparatus is configured to carry out the method (500) according to claim 18 or 19.

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